Access means...

Litmus test

standard

mandatory

necessity

executed thoroughly

throughout society

dignity

of humanity

human rights

critical

fundamental

foundational

foundation

time and resource allocation

with people with disabilities in consultation

in partnership

blueprint

framework

planning stage

pre-planning stage

bedrock

cornerstone.

Contrary to access means…

Charity

generosity

goodwill

hopeful

optional

circumstantial

preference

far-fetched

best guess

best try

pie in the sky

as needs arise

as resources arise

as time permits

in accordance with

in addition

next phase

second stage.

Access means I can…

Write this poem

develop as an artist

consult my pharmacist

see my therapist

prepare in case of floodwaters

collect clean water

feed my daughter

hang out with my friends

to goats tend

in gardens sow

secure a business loan

complete business training

repay my business loan while earning a living

rival classmates in spelling

study accounting

speak into a community meeting

speak to my community leader

be a community leader

work as a carpenter.

Access means community for all.

For all a community

through diversity

in vitality

growing,

Through perspectives enlarging.

Through skills equipping.

Through talents adorning.

Through problem-solving

resilience cultivating.

Through inclusion enriching.